NLEX shores up frontline, gets Marion Magat from Blackwater for Will McAloney, Mike Ayonayon

Marion Magat and Will McAloney would be swapping jerseys ahead of the Governors' Cup. PBA Images (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--NLEX tweaked its big man rotation ahead of the PBA Governors' Cup, sealing a trade wih Blackwater for the services of Marion Magat.

In exchange, the Bossing took Will McAloney and Mike Ayonayon from the Road Warriors.

To sweeten the pot, Blackwater also gave up a future second round pick to NLEX.

Road Warriors coach Yeng Guiao confirmed the development on Monday.

"We were constantly looking for a big man and Marion has the size," Guiao explained the deal in a statement.

This is a homecoming of sorts for Magat, who played for NLEX during the 2018-19 season.

"It won't be much of a problem when it comes to adjustment," added Guiao, who was also the team's coach that time.

He then hopes that the careers of McAloney and Ayonayon would be revitalized with Blackwater after they have suddenly fallen out of NLEX's rotation.

Both former MPBL stars delivered solid contributions for the Road Warriors last year in the bubble season, but they have been sparingly used this past Philippine Cup especially with the leadership of Kevin Alas and the emergence of Calvin Oftana.

"We also felt that with Blackwater, Mike and Will will have a chance to showcase their potential. Medyo nahirapan silang maka-break in sa amin in terms of playing time dahil sa mga kapuwestuhan nila," Guiao admitted.

The trade proposal has been submitted to the PBA trade committee for approval.

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